Diagnosing Blocked Fallopian Tubes and Repair

The easiest type of fallopian tube blockage to diagnose is those tubes that have been blocked purposely. This is when a woman has chosen to have a tubal ligation or her “tubes tied” so that she cannot have any more children. The blockage can be diagnosed by the surgeon reading the tubal ligation operative report. Many women and couples who have decided to have a tubal ligation will regret the decision and want the fallopian tubes repaired rather than seek IVF. This type of surgery is called tubal ligation reversal and an expert tubal reversal surgeon is able to make the repair so that fertility can be restored.

Other reasons why the fallopian tubes may be blocked are a bit harder to diagnose. There are two ways that a doctor can look to see where the blockage is. The first is in the operating room where special instruments are used to find the exact blockage. The other method used is by having what is known as a hysterosalpingogram x-ray (HSG). A technician will be performing this test and the results will be sent to your physician. This test is performed by placing dye through the fallopian tubes in order to find the blockage. The dye will not flow past the point of the blockage.

If the fallopian tube is blocked at the very beginning of the fallopian tube it is known as a proximal tubal blockage. The most common cause of this is SIN (salpingitis isthmica nodosa). This is where there are little bulges inside the fallopian tubes. The surgeons are able to repair this type of blockage using a technique called tubouterine implantation.

The next type of blockage is known as tubal hydrosalpinx. This is where the end of the tube is closed or blocked and can be caused from a previous infection. Tubal reversal specialists are able to repair this type of blockage using a technique called ampullary salpingostomy.

The surgeons at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center specialize in the repair of blocked fallopian tubes. Many are under the impression that the only type of surgery that is performed at this Center is the tubal ligation reversal or “untie tubes”. The fact of the matter is because they have performed so many surgeries they are able to repair fallopian tubes that others surgeons did not want to attempt. Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith are able to repair fallopian tubes in 99% of all cases.

Although couples are still able to have children after a diagnosis of blocked fallopian tubes using IVF or in vitro fertilization many do not want to go this route. Many will want to have more than one child and the cost of IVF is too expensive for them to afford. The Tubal Reversal Pregnancy Report 2009 provides evidence that tubal reversal surgery actually has a better pregnancy success rate over the alternative treatment of IVF. This in itself has helped many couples choose the best way to have a child following the diagnosis of blocked fallopian tubes.

For more information on the repair of blocked tubes the tubal reversal nurses can be contacted by calling 1-919-968-4656. Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center also has a very active tubal reversal message board.